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Although classed as a subarctic climate like the nearby mainland, Gundarlun, like other islands in the area, experienced somewhat different weather, owing to the seas. Gundarlun endured winter for almost eight months of the year, and was regularly locked in sea ice that often reached over 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) in extent by the month of Alturiak. When not packed in ice, the island was often blanketed in dense fog that rose late in the day. Summers were particularly cool.

The island was lashed by heavy storms off the seas, and continual bitter northwest winter wind was called "Auril'sbreath" by the islanders.[3]

Gundarlun was inhabited largely by Northmen.[5][6] The people of the island were known as "Gunds". They were excellent fisherfolk and merchants, and were relatively more devout when it came to the gods than most other Northmen. Rich and poor enjoyed dressing in colorful cloth made in the south. Their longships were adorned with figureheads of fish, such as marlins and swordfish, or predatory birds like ernes or sea eagles and ospreys.[7]

Like the other islands, most settlements on Gundarlun were built on the leeward side, away from the chill wind.[3]

The biggest settlement on the island—indeed, all the islands of the northern Trackless Sea—was the city of Gundbarg, the "Gateway Port", with a population of 12,000. The Dragon Turtle Inn in Gundbarg by the harbor was known as a place from which to hire captains with ships, as well as a hangout for adventurers.[1][2]

Gundarlun had an economy based entirely on fishing, farming, mining, and trading. Almost every ship to cross the Trackless Sea stopped at Gundbarg to take on fresh water and food, make repairs, replace crew, or exchange goods. The city provided all the services required by these seafarers, with inns, taverns, drydocks, sailmakers, and great warehouses, and maintained reasonable prices.[1][2]

Gundarlun was ruled by King Olger Redaxe by 1358 DR, and still ruled by him in 1370 DR. By 1485 DR the island was ruled by Olgrave Redaxe. [9] The island was organized into fifteen holds ruled by jarls. It was the only island member of the Lords' Alliance.[1][2]

The dragon Arveiaturace claimed territory across the Trackless Sea that included Gundarlun.[10]

Gundbarg kept a standing army numbering 300 warriors. They served as city guard and crews of the six raker warships commanded by the king. Each hold on the island had one to four longships of its own, each with a crew of 40 warriors.[1][2]